Textile yarn storage and advancing apparatus and method



United States Patent David M. Willis;

William 0. Young, Jr., Spartanburg, South Carolina Jan. 30, 19,69

Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 748,787, July 30, 1968, abandoned.

Nov. 24, 1970 Jonathan Logan, lnc.

Spartanburg, South Carolina a corporation of Delaware Inventors Appl.No. Filed Patented Assignee TEXTILE YARN STORAGE AND ADVANCING APPARATUSAND METHOD 22 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl. 242/131, 242/45, 242/155 Int. Cl B65h 49/02, D02h 1/00, D03j5/08 Field of Search 242/130,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,988,299 6/1961 Macdonald242/1562 3,371,878 3/1968 Garner 242/45 3,392,933 7/1968 Singh 242/1493,461,691 8/1969 Ballard 242/131 Primary Examiner-Leonard D. ChristianAt!orney-Parrott, Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson Patented Nov. 24, 19703,542,309

Sheet L or 4 ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 24, 1970 vSheet 86 C L; 44 I Q -j=6bAvm M. \A/mus and WILLIAM O. You NG,J2.

ATTORNEYS INVENTORSZ Patented Nov. 24, 1970 LUI I 1!! I FE E I I! i z xI I I: l l UiILF E- II II I: CUE: -21.?

Sheet Q or 4 mvmons DAVE) M. W) Lusancl WILUAM O. YouNG,J2. MJdZ @z qgfihm ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 24, 1970 3,542,309

Sheet 4 of 4 'm 0 6 145 nz Am 154 w COMPRESSED 1250- 0 0 o o AIRSAURCE aI "a I kn, n T, {in I l l i i I I i ;i ii F =6 a? a: ii 5 :59 p a P .1INVENTORS' DAV: MWmus and WILLIAM O. YOUNG IR. .BVfil/wifidd ATTORNEYSTEXTILE YARN STORAGE AND ADVANCIN APPARATUS AND METHOD This applicationis a continuation-in-part of our copending U.S. Pat. application Ser.No. 748,787 entitled TEXTILE MACHINE YARN STORAGE AND ADVANCING MEANSand filed on July 30, 1968, now abandoned.

In many textile operations where yarn is supplied to a textile machinefor manipulation by instrumentalities of the machine, fluctuations inthe tension condition of the yarn as supplied to the machine have anadverse effect on the machine operation and particularly on the qualityof the product obtained from the particular machine process. In suchtextile operations, uniformly of tension in yarns supplied to a textilemachine is usually sought by controlled winding of the yarn from oneprocessed package configuration into another package configuration suchas a cone whereby more even density and ready release of yarn isobtained The cones of yarn are then creeled at the machine. Suchpreparation of the yarn thus requires, in an overall textilemanufacturing process, an additional winding or packaging step for theyarn-which both increases the cost of preparing the yarn and exposes theyarn to possible breaking or other damage.

These deficiencies and difficulties desirably could be avoided byeliminating the presently required preparatory step and assuring theproper advancement of yarn is obtained without regard to the specifictype of package in which the yarn is formed by the next precedingprocess or the condition of the yarn in such a package.

The necessity for this extra winding or rewinding step arises out of thefact that significant fluctuations or variations in tension usuallyoccur as the yarn is withdrawn from a processed package. In particular,where the package has been subjected to a finishing process such asdyeing or bulking, the yarn in the package is usually tangled. Removalof yarn from a package which has undergone such a finishing process -mayproceed easily and freely for an indeterminate incremental length ofyarn and, then upon the'occurrence of a hangup suddenly encounter a hightension condition as theyarn must be pulled free from entanglement. Suchtension fluctuations adversely affect a textile operation, such as in aknitting operation by causing uneven stitches and the fluctuation maybecome of such magnitude as to cause the product of the particularprocess to be unacceptable.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention toprovide, in combination with'a textile machine having yarn takeup meansfor taking up a plurality ofyarns at predetermined demand rates,apparatus for supplying yarns under controlled tension conditions and insuch a manner as to compensate forvarying amounts of tension in theyarns otherwise resulting from uneven density and yarn releasecharacteristics of packages from which the yarn is supplied to theapparatus. In accomplishing this object of this invention, control overthe tension. of a plurality of ends of yarn is obtained by thecooperation of tensioning means applying an individually predeterminedtensioning force to each ofthe yarns and tension reducing means feedingthe yarns at a linear rate greater than the predetermined demand ratesof the yarn takeup means of the associated textile machine for reducingthe amounts of tension in the yarns in a predetermined ratio. By suchcooperation, fluctuation in the tension in the plurality of yarns at thetextile machine is minimized even during relatively extreme fluctuationsof tension in the yarn at the yarn supply packages as'the yarn isremoved therefrom.

A further object of the present invention is to provide apparatus of thegeneral nature discussed above, adapted to receive and support aplurality of yarn packages of uneven density and yarn releasecharacteristics and to advance ya'rn upon yarns passing from packagessupported by the creel means.

Another object of this invention is to prepare the ends of yarn beingsupplied to a textile machine by applying a treatment fluid theretoduring passage of the yarns to the textile machine. Preferably,treatment applying means used in realizing this object are mounted forcooperation with the other elements of the yarn furnishing apparatuswithout interfering with the tension control exercised by the apparatus.

Yet a further object of the present invention is the practice of themethod in which yarns are directed from a plurality of yarn packagesalong predetermined paths of travel to a textile machine whilepredetermined tensioning forces are applied thereto and the amounts oftension in each of the tensioned yarns is reduced in a predeterminedratio. In realizing this obratio function together to compensate for andreduce the amount of variations in the tension in the yarns, therebypermitting delivery of the yarns under controlled tension conditions andthe achievement of desirable improvements in the process being suppliedwith yarn.

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention having been stated,others will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in

which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation view, partially schematic, of a yarn furnishingapparatus in accordance with the present invention, shown in combinationwith a textile machine to which the apparatus of the present inventionis supplying yarn under controlled tension conditions;

FIG. 2 is a reduced elevation view ofthe yarn furnishing apparatus ofFIG. 1, taken from a point to the left of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevation of a portion of the yarn furnishingapparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2, taken generally as indicated by the arrows3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view somewhat similar to FIG. 3, showing a section throughthe yarn furnishing apparatus of FIGS. I and 2;

FIG. 5 is an elevation of certain portions of the apparatus of FIGS. 3and 4, taken generally as indicated by the line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG; 6 is a schematic wiring diagram for the combination of FIG. I;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged illustration of a positive yarn feeding meansincluded in the operating instrumentalities of the textile machine ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevation, in partial section, of a second form ofyarn furnishing apparatus as contemplated by the present invention,including a partly schematic showing of a control system for certainelements thereof;

FIG. 9 is a reduced. side elevation taken generally as indicated by thearrow 9 in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is an enlarged elevation detail, in partial section, of

the yarn engaging roll means and other portions of the yarn furnishingapparatus of FIG. 8. V

1 Referring now more particularly to the drawings, a first and preferredform of yarn furnishing apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention is there identified by the reference character 20 and isillustrated in combination with a knitting machine 30 to which yarn issupplied under controlled tension. At the outset of this discussion, itis to be understood that from the packages while compensating forvarying amounts of tension and varying demand rates in and for theyarns. In accomplishing this object of the present invention, thevarious means employed in the apparatus of the present invention,including the tensioning means and tension reducing means, are mountedon a creel means and positioned relative thereto and to the other meansof the apparatus for receiving and acting the disclosure herein of theyarn furnishing apparatus 20 of the present invention in combinationwith a knitting machine and particularly in combination with a circularknitting machine 30 is for purposes of illustration only, as it iscontemplated that the apparatus 20 has broad utility in combination withvarious other types of textile machines adapted to takeup yarns atpredetermined demand rates, such as flat knitting machines, warpers,slashers, etc., and the apparatus is susceptible to other arrangementsand configurations, so long as the principles of construction andoperation described hereinafter are incorporated.

The knitting machines 30 includes knitting instrumentalities formanipulating yarn to form fabrics and means generally indicated at 60for feeding a plurality of ends of yarn Y to the knittinginstrumentalities at predetermined demand rates (FIGS. 1 and 7). It istypical of many multifeed circular knitting machines such as the machine30 that certain yarn manipulating locations thereon take up yarn atlinear rates approximately twice that of other locations, although thevariances between the different demand rates may range to other ratiosdepending upon the fabric produced.

in any instance, the apparatus of the present invention furnishes endsof yarn Y to 'a machine which take up the ends of yarn at predetermineddemand rates, which may be uniform for all of the ends supplied, whichmay very for all the ends supplied, or which may vary among the ends. Animportant function of the apparatus is to supply ends of yarn to such amachine under controlled tension conditions, as described more fullyhereinafter, particularly when the ends are furnished to a machinewherein variations in yarn tension are likely to significantly affectthe quality of the product being formed on' the machine. it is becauseknitting machines are particularly sensitive to tension in yarnssupplied thereto that the apparatus 20 of the present invention has beenshown in conjunction with that specific type of textile machine.

The details of the yarn furnishing apparatus 20 are more clear from thevarious elevation and section views of FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, wherein itmay be seen that the apparatus 20 comprises a freestanding lowerstructural frame composed of four vertical corner members 21, 22, 23 and24 and a number of upper and lower horizontal members extendingtherebetween to complete a generally parallelepiped structure. A packagesupporting shelf 39 is mounted within the lower structural frame uponthe lowermost horizontal members, in order to support a plurality ofpackages P of yarn and to form of the structural frame a creel for thepackages. The lower structural frame of the apparatus 20 stands on anapparatus room floor independently of and spaced from the associatedknitting machine to which the ends ofyarn Y are furnished.

Ends of yarn Y are led from the packages P along predetermined paths oftravel to be supplied to the knitting machine 30, as described in detailhereinafter. Generally, and in order to aid in smooth release of theyarns Y from the packages P, the yarns are led from the packages P in adirection substantially coaxial with the central axes of the packages,shown to be vertically upwardly in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The apparatus 20 of the present invention is particularly useful andprovides major advantages when the packages P are characterized ashaving uneven density and yarn release characteristics. Furtherexplanation of this characterization requires a brief discussion of thecharacteristics of textile yam packages generally. In particular, it isconventional to package textile yarns by winding, with a particularpackage form being selected with a view to the next subsequent processstep which will be involved. in many instances, packaging of the yarninto a particular desired type of .package requires the inclusion in themanufacturing process of a machine operation where repackaging orrewinding is the sole function being served. This has been encounteredheretofore particularly in instances where one process step so disruptsthe yarn in a package as to otherwise adversely affect the efficiency ofa subsequent process step.

One specific example mentioned above, which has been encounteredheretofore particularly with continuous filament synthetic fiber yarns,is a manufacturing sequence which incorporates the processing of packagedyed yarns. Typically, the process of dyeing yarn in a package includesforced flow of liquids radially through the package, which results inshifting the yarn in the package to an uneven distribution of densitiesand in some instance matting the wound layers of yarn together, Inasmuchas knitting of yarns require that yarns be supplied to the knittingmachine in a smooth flow and under relatively low tension, packages ofyarn which have been subjected to a dyeing process have not heretoforebeen accepta ble as a direct source of yarn for a knitting step.Instead, it has heretofore been necessary to rewind dyed yarn intoanother package in order that a smooth, even, and snag free release ofthe yarn from a package may be obtained and the uniform tensionrequirements of a knitting operation satisfied.

The present invention arises, at least in part, from a realization thata significant capital investment as well as significant processing timeand labor costs can be saved by eliminating one or more rewinding steps.The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularlyadvantageous in permitting direct use of packages which have heretoforenecessitated rewinding.

In the illustrated embodiment, the packages P are representative of dyepackages which have been subjected to a dyeing process and which havenot been repackaged prior to mounting in the yarn furnishing apparatus20 of the present invention.

lnterposed along the predetermined paths of travel for the ends of yarnY from the packages P to the knitting machine 30 are yarn tensioningmeans for exerting an individually predetermined restraining force oneach of the ends of yarn, tension reducing means for feeding the yarnsat a linear rate greater than the predetermined demand rates of thetextile machine being supplied with yarns, stop means responsive to animproper yarn tension condition and operative for stopping the textilemachine, yarn treating means for applying a treatment liquid to the endsof the yarn as they are moved along a predetermined path, and yarndisengaging means for displacing the ends of yarn from the predeterminedpaths of travel upon stopping of the textile machine. Each of thesemeans and the operative relationship therebetween will be described ingreater detail hereinafter.

Turning first to the yarn tensioning means, it will be noted from FIGS.4 and 5 that each of the ends of yarn yarn passes through acorresponding individually adjustable tensioning device 50, being ledthereto from a guiding eyelet mounted in a sheet member 52 supported bythe lower frame structure to overlie the package table 39. The guidingeyelets in the sheet member 52 are preferably positioned immediatelyabove corresponding ones of the packages P, in order to insure takeoffof the yarn Y from the packages P substantially in alinement with thecentral axes of the packages. The spacing between the sheet member 52and the packages P should be sufficient to provide a reservoir of yarnlength to assist in dampening jerky release of the yarn from thepackages P.

Each of the individual tensioning devices 50 preferably is of aconventional and commercially available type as, for example only,including a pair of opposing disc members urged together by a variablespring force.

Intermediate the yarn tension means and the textile machine 30 to whichyarn is furnished by the apparatus 20, the ends of yarn pass inengagement with a tension reducing means comprising yarn engaging rollmeans. In the first form of apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention as exemplified by the apparatus 20 here being described, theyarn engaging roll means comprises one roll 42 which is supported forrotation by a superstructure frame rising above the lower frame members2224 of the apparatus 20. In particular, the superstructure frameincludes four vertically uprising standards 21A, 22A, 23A and 24A whichrise from the uppermost horizontal front and back members of the lowerframe structure of the apparatus 20, Two of the vertically uprisingstandards, namely the superstructure standards 22A and 24A, rise to anextended height and terminate in a horizontally extending portion, toprovide a mounting location for stop motion devices described more fullyhereinafter. Extending between pairs of the superstructure standards areside plates 27 and 28, respectively extending between the right sidesuperstructure standards 21A and 22A and the left side superstructurestandards 23A and 24A, and providing a mounting location for the yarnengaging roll 42 and for other elements of the apparatus 20 describedhereinafter.

The roll 42 is journaled for free rotation relative to the side plates27 and 28 and is operatively connected to a driving motor 44 to bedriven thereby in rotation. In the apparatus being described, theconnection between the rotor of the driving electric motor 44.and theroll 42 is preferably a direct connection, so that the roll 42 is drivenat the speed of the motor 44 and with rotation in the directionindicated in FIG. 4. The speed at which the roll member 42 is driven isimportant, and is interrelated to a number of other factors involved inproper operation of the apparatus 20, as will be brought out more fullyhereinafter. The material of the roll 42 is selected for the particularfrictional characteristics obtainable on the surface thereof and isformed, for example, of steel having a chromium plated surface whichishighly polished subsequent to plating, in order to obtain a highlyuniform surface. While it is contemplated that the roll 42 may be madeof other materials and finished in other appropriate manners, it isbelieved that the best operation of the apparatus 20 is obtained where asubstantially uniform surface frictional characteristic for the roll 42is insured.

The ends of yarn Y, in passing in engagement with the roll 42, aredirected from the individual tension devices 50 through guiding eyeletsto the roll, are wrapped about the roll for approximately a 360engagement therewith, and pass from the roll through guiding eyeletsmounted in a transverse bar support 45 (FIGS. 4 and 5). In order toavoid entanglement of an individual end of yarn as passed along thispredetermined path of travel, the individual eyelet guides are staggeredrelativeto the loop of yarn which passes about the roll 42 (as bestshown in FIG. 5), causing each individual end of yarn to pass about theroll 42 along a somewhat spiral path.

Along the paths of travel of ends of yarn Y between the roll 42 and themachine to which yarn is being furnished is a yarn treating means fortreating each end of yarn with a conditioning liquid prior to the samebeing taken up by the textile machine. Such conditioning is ofparticular importance where the associated textile machine is a knittingmachine, as the manipulation of ends ofyarn during the formationthereofinto a fabric is frequently facilitated by lubrication of theyarn. Such a liquid treatment is applied by an oiling roller 68,positioned adjacent toand downstream of the yarn engaging roller 42 andmounted for rotation partially within a treatment liquid retainingtrough 69. The treating roller 68 is driven in slow rotation by a drivemotor 70, acting through an appropriate gear train, and may rotatecounter to or with the movement of the ends of yarn Y thereacross. Ineither instance, a uniformly thin layer of lubricant is carried on theroller 68 from a supply retained in the trough 69 and supplied from areservoir bottle 70A mounted on theright-hand side plate 27.

Where the textile machine to which yarn is being furnished is a knittingmachine, the ends of yarn being taken up by the knitting machine areadvanced to the knitting instrumentalities of the machine by a positivefeed means, conventionally taking the form of a tape and cylinder drive(generally indicated at 60 in FIG. 1). Such a tape drive includes aplurality of cylinders 61 (FIG. 7) positioned above and about theneeaffects the quality of fabric produced by the knitting machine 10.

In most instances it is desirable, if not necessary, that a textilemachine be stopped upon the occurrence of an improper operatingcondition such as a broken end ofyarn or excessively high tension in anend of yarn being supplied. in order to minimize the production of poorquality goods. For this reason, the apparatus 20 includes stop motiondevices responsive to the amounts of tension in the yarns and similar toknown devices conventionally used with textile machines such as theknitting machine 30. In particular, a plurality of electrical switches66, equalling in number the number of ends of yarn being furnished bythe apparatus 20, are mounted on the horizontally extending arms of thesuperstructure standards 22A and 24A, for passage of the ends of yarn Ytherethrough intermediate the yarn treating means and the positive feedmeans-Such electrical devices are highly sensitive, and are actuated inresponse to the absence of or excessive tension in a yarn passingtherethrough, and are adapted for connection to an electrical systemsupplying current to a motor driving the associated textile machine 30for interrupting operation of the machine upon occurrence of an improperamount of tension in the yarns.

In this connection, it has been noted in operation of apparatusembodying the present invention that it is important for the rotation ofyarn engaging roll 42 to begin prior to a demand for the ends of yarnbeing established by the associated machine 30. Otherwise, the ends ofyarn passing from the packages P to the associatedmachine 30 are brokenby excessive tension due to the snubbing action of contact with the roll42. In the specific instance of a multifeed circular knitting machine 30as illustrated in FIG. 1, it has been discovered that the'difference ininertia ofthe rotating elements of the knitting machine 30 and the roll42 of the yarn furnishing apparatus 20 is such that simultaneousenergization of the drive motor 44 for the roll 42 and a drive motor 31for the knitting machine 30 will result in the roll reaching operatingspeed before the noid coil 88, energized by an electrical circuit whichincludes die cylinder ofthe knitting machine 30, individually supportedfor rotational movement and encircled by an endless tape 62 in contactwith portions of the peripheries thereof. The tape 62 is driven inrotation by a drive pulley 64, operatively connected to the drivearrangement for the knitting instrumentalities of the knitting machine30 to be driven in rotation in coordination with the knitting of yarnthereby. Upon rotation of the drive pulley 64, the tape 62 is advancedadjacent to and in contact with the peripheries of the plurality ofcylinders 61, to drive the same in rotation at a predetermined speedcorrelated to the formation of stitches by the knitting machine 30. Eachsingle end of yarn Y is passed between the engaging surfaces ofcorresponding cylinders 61 and the tape 62, to be gripped therebetweenand advanced to the knitting machine 30 at a rate correlated to the useof yarn by the knitting instrumentalities thereof. The primary functionintended for the cylinders 61 and tape 62 is to control the rate ofadvance of the ends of yarn Y, and fluctuation in tension in the ends ofyarn at the positive feeding means significantly disturbs and adverselythe stop motion devices 66.

While thus not required in the specific embodiment of the presentinvention being currently described, it is contemplated by the presentinvention that an intentional delay means such as a dashpot relay may beincluded in the electrical circuitry to delay energization of the motor44 driving the yarn engaging roll 42 where a low inertia machine isbeing supplied and the increase in demand rates for the ends of yarncomesabout more quickly.

In the first form of apparatus of the present invention, it has alsobeen found desirable to stop rotation of the yarn engaging roll 42promptly on stopping of the associated textile machine 30. This isaccomplished by the provision of magnetic brake 90 supported on theleft-hand side plate 28 and energized by an electric circuit completedon movement of the armature into engagement with the stationary contact87 in response to a change in energization of the solenoid coil 88.Simultaneous deenergization of the drive motor 44 and energization ofthe electric magnetic brake 90 results in stopping rotation of the roll42 within less than one full revolution thereof.

In order to ayoid wicking of excess treatment liquid into the yarn fromthe oiling roller 68 and sticking of the yarns to such roller duringsuch time that supply of yarn is not required by the knitting machine30, this invention provides yarn disengaging means associated with theoiling roller 68 for displacing the ends of yarn from theirpredetermined paths of travel upon stoppage of the textile machine andthereby disengaging the yarn from the oiling roller. This disengagingmeans includes a rod member 73, extending transversely of the yarnsupplying apparatus 20 for simultaneous engagement with all of the endsof yarn Y passing therethrough. The rod 73 is supported at oppositesides of the frame of the apparatus 20 by pivoting link members 77 andis rotated by the application of air pressure to a cylinder '81 underthe control of a solenoid actuated control valve electrically connectedwith the circuit of FIG. 6 and responsive to interruption of energization of the drive motors 31 and 44. By operation of the valve, the rod73 is normally somewhat retracted from the path of travel of the ends ofyarn Y (being held in the full line position of FIG. 4). Upon stoppageof the associated textile machine 30, air pressure is applied tocylinder 81 to pivot the links 77, move the rod 73 across the normalpaths of travel of ends of yarn Y (to the phantom line position of FIG.4) and displace the ends of yarn Y from the engagement with the oilingroller 68.

An operating embodiment of the first form of apparatus 20 (as described)has been used to furnish yarns of wool and continuous filament syntheticyarns to multifeed circular knitting machines having a cylinder speed of19 to 20 rpm. and yarn demand rates of approximately 450 feet perminute. In such application, the yarn engaging roll 42 had a diameter of3 inches and was driven .by direct connection with a motor running at1750 rpm. Thus, the linear surface speed of the roll member 42 wasapproximately 1370 feet per minute and the ratio of tension reductionwas found to be approximately to 1.

It is to be noted that a number of factors contribute to establishingthe particular ratio of reduction at which a given apparatus operates,including such consideration as the type and size of the yarn beingsupplied, the surface characteristic of the roll means, the extent ofarcuate or circumferential wrap of the' yarn about the roll means, andthe ratio of lineal speeds at which yarn is demanded and the roll meansis driven. Control over the particular ratio of tension reductionexperienced in any given operating circumstance may be exercised byvarying one or more of these factors as required or desired.

It has been discovered that woolen yarn may be run either with a rollhaving a matte chrome plated finish or with a roll having a highlypolished chrome finish as discussed above. Continuous filament yarnshave shown a greater tendency to lap up about the roll than have woolenyarns, and the higher polished roll surface has been found preferablewith such yarns. Incorporation of a roll 42 having a highly polishedsurface into the apparatus thus permits satisfactory operation witheither type of yarn and avoids the necessity of changing rolls withchanges in yarn. However, the present invention contemplates that suchchanges in the roll 42 as are required to accommodate particular yarnsbeing used may be made within the scope of the present invention.

In operation of the apparatus 20 as described to this point, a number ofpackages P of yarn at least appropriate to provide the number of ends tobe supplied to the associated textile machine are loaded onto thesupporting table 39 and ends derived therefrom are threaded upwardlythrough the guiding grommets in the plate member 52 and the individualtension devices 50. The ends of yarn are then passed about the roll 42,through appropriate staggered guides, passed adjacent the oiling roller68, threaded through the stop motion switches 66, and introduced to theinstrumentalities of the knitting machine 30.

On actuation of the knitting machine 30 and initiation of rotation ofthe roll 42, a continuing transient frictional engagement occurs betweeneach of the ends of yarn Y and the surface of the roll member- 42,depending upon the tension in the yarn upstream and downstream of theroll 42, and the tension present in the yarn between the tension devices50 and the roll 42 is reduced in a predetermined ratio. As the imbalanceof the tensions becomes such that an individual end of cient force isexerted on that individual end of yarn by the roll 42 to return the yarnto the desired tension imbalance or ratio of tension reduction acrossthe roll.

' yarn is drawn into frictional engagement with the roll 42, suffi- Moreparticularly, the frictional gripping force between an end of yarn andthe cylindrical surface of the roll 42 is determined by the differencebetween the tension in the yarn immediately preceding and immediatelyfollowing the roll 42. Upon the tension difference becoming more than adeterminable amount, by, for example, the occurrence of a snag in thepackage, the force of engagement becomes such that the end is carriedwith the roll in its rotation at a linear speed in excess of thatdemanded by the associated textile machine. lmmediately, the yarn ispulled free from the package; the difference in tensions becomes less;and gripping force between the yarn and the roll 42 is reduced. Thisfluctuation proceeds in such a manner as to appear normally as a steadystate reduction at a predetermined ratio of the tension on passage ofthe ends of yarn about the rotating roll .42, but is believed to resultfrom transient engagement as just described.

In accordance with an important feature of the present invention,advantage is taken of the operation just described both to supply yarnto an associated textile machine such as the knitting machine 30 undercontrolled tension conditions and additionally to protect against thetransmission of tension fluctuations which otherwise would adverselyeffect the proper operation of the machine. It is this protectionagainst transmission of tension fluctuations, and particularly oftension peaks, which facilitates supply of yarn from packages fromuneven density and release characteristics, such as directly from dyepackages.

In particular, the tension present in a running length of yarnintermediate the packages P and the tension devices 50 may very fromsubstantially no tension to quite high tension levels. The function ofthe tensioning means is at least twofold, first as providing a backtension to assist in establishing transient frictional engagement of theindividual ends of yarn with the roll 42 and secondly for establishing aminimum tension level immediately downstream of the roll 42. That is,adjustment of one individual tension device 50 to provide a tension of,for example, 10 grams intermediate the tension device and the rollmember 42, in an apparatus where the ratio of tension reduction isapproximately Ste 1 will result in a tension immediately downstream ofthe roll '42 of approximately 2 grams. However, with a 5 to 1 reductionin tension occurring across the roll member 42, a snag at thecorresponding package P which causes the tension in the yarn to jump ashigh as, for example, 30 grams will still result in a variation from the2 gram tension level downstream of the roll 42 only up to a tensionlevel of approximately 6 grams. Thus, a tension fluctuation in'the yarnleaving the package between 0 and 20 to 30 grams tension would screenedand reduced by the apparatus 20 to a fluctuation of between about 2 and6 grams at the associated textile machine. Fluctuations over this latterrange I may be satisfactorily accommodated by most textile machineswhile a fluctuation of from O to 30 grams of tension would be entirelyunacceptable in most instances.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the present invention contemplatesa second or alternate form ofyarn furnishing apparatus. The discussionto this point with respect to the first form of the invention isgenerally applicable to this second form and elements of this secondform of apparatus, generally indicated by the reference character 120,which correspond to elements described heretofore, will be identified bya similar reference character of the one hundred series. Thus,discussion here given will be limited to the points of distinctionbetween the first form of apparatus 20 and the second form of apparatusI20.

Several distinctive features are incorporated in the second form ofapparatus 120, each of which could be incorporated into the first formof the apparatus, if desired. These points include the use of a wheeledcart or dolly 139 to support a plurality of packages P for supplyingends of yarn. The wheeled package supporting base has a plurality ofvertical package supports 140 secured thereon and extending generallyupwardly therefrom, and permits loading of yarn packages P onto thedolly at a location remote fromthe apparatus and ready substitution of aloaded dolly for one from which the yarn supply has been exhausted. Asshown, the package supports 140 are adapted to receive thereon aplurality of yarn packages P in order to accommodate the yarn usagecharacteristics of the associated textile machine to which yarn issupplied. Further, a plurality of packages stacked on a single support140 are preferably tailed together, having the leading end of the yarnwound in one package tied to the trailing end of the yarn wound in thepackage positioned immediately above.

Another point of distinction is the provision of enclosure meansnormally positioned to extend entirely around the lower frame structureof the yarn furnishing apparatus. Such an enclosure means, preferably inthe form of transparent plastic panels, insures that cross contaminationof different colors of yarn being run on adjacent machines does notoccur by the settling of lint onto the yarn being furnished to themachines In the second form 'of apparatus 120, engagement between theplurality of ends of yarn tained by passing the yarn into engagementwith a pair of counter rotating roll members 142 and 143.- By passingthe ends of yarn along predetermined paths over roller 142 and thenunder roll 143, an'approximately 360 combined wrap is obtained. Ofcourse, greater possibilities are presented for varying the degree ofwrap if required to accommodate different characteristics of yarn orconditions.

In passing the ends of yarn to the roll members 142 and 143, the ends ofyarn additionally are passed through first and second individualtensioning devices 150 and 154, providing a two-stage possibility forthe imposition of a restraining force on each individual end. Thus, therange of adjustment provided for each individual end is more varied andthe range of attainable tension downstream of the apparatus 120 isincreased.

lt is contemplated that the drive motor 144 from which motive force isapplied to the yarn engaging rollers 142 and 143 will be directlyconnected to the roll 143, with rotation being transmitted to the otherroller 142 by a pair of intermeshing gears 146 and 147 (FIG. Further, itis contemplated that the motor 144 will be operated continuously, withthe advancement of the ends of yarn by the rolls 142 and 143 beingcontrolled by varying the extent of wrap of yarns thereabout. The extentof wrap is varied by movement of control rods 171 and 172 between thephantom line and full line positions of FIG; 10, in response toenergization of the solenoid coil controlling movement of the valve core182 and thereby controlling the application of air pressure to controlcylinders 179, 180, 181. The operation of the yarn displacing rods 171,172 and 173 is similar to the operation described above with referenceto the yarn displacing rod 73.

in the drawings and specification, therehave been set forth preferredembodiments of the invention, and although specific terms are employed,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes oflimitation.

We claim:

1. In combination with a textile machine having yarn takeup means fortaking up a plurality of yarns at predetermined demand rates; apparatusfor supplying yarns to said takeup means under controlled tensionconditions comprising:

a, creel means for supporting a plurality of yarn packages of unevendensity and yarn release characteristics such that the tension in yarnsbeing withdrawn therefrom varies along the length thereof;

b. tensioning means positioned intermediate said creel means and saidyarn takeup means for applying an individually predetermined tensioningforce to each of the yarns to provide a predetermined minimum amount oftension therein and to compensate at least partially for the varyingamount of tension in the yarns due to the uneven density and yarnrelease characteristics of the yarn package; and I c. tension reducingmeans disposed between said yarn takeup means and said tensioning meansand adapted to and tension reducing means is atengage the plurality ofyarns for feeding the yarns at a linear rate greater than saidpredetermined demand rates of said yarn takeup means to reduce theamounts of tension therein by a predetermined ratio to compensatefurther for, and reduce the amount of variations in. the tension in theyarns.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said ten sion reducingmeans (c) comprises:

1. roll means adapted to engage all of the yarns; and

2. drive means connected to said roll means for rotating the same with alinear surface speed greater than said predetermined demand rates ofsaid yarn takeup means. the area of engagement of said roll means witheach yarn, the surface characteristics of said roll means and the linearsurface speed at which said roll means is driven being correlated so asto provide a predetermined con trolled amount of slippage between theroll and yarns and thereby provide said predetermined ratio of tensionreduction.

3. The combination according to claim 2 further comprising (d) stopmotion means disposed between said tension reducing means and said yarntakeup means and responsive, to the amounts of tension in the yarns asthe same pass to said yarn takeup means and operatively connected tosaid textile machine for interrupting operation of said textile machineupon occurrence of an improper amount of tension in the yarns.

4. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said stop motion meansis operatively connected to said drive means (c) (2) of said tensionreducing means (c) for interrupting the driving of said roll means (c)(1) upon occurrence of an improper amount of tension in the yarns andwherein the combination further comprising (e) brake means operativelyconnected to said stop motion means ((1) and to said roll means (c) (1)for braking said roll means to a standstill promptly on interruption ofdriving thereof and thereby avoiding excessive slackening of the yarns.

5. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said yarn supplyingapparatus further comprises (d) yarn treating means for applying atreatment fluid to the yarn during passage thereof to said yarn takeupmeans and in preparation for subsequent yarn manipulation.

6. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said yarn tensioningmeans (b) of said yarn supplying apparatus comprises a number ofindividual tensioning devices at least equal to the number of saidplurality of yarns being supplied to said yarn takeup means, each ofsaid tensioning devices applying force to a respective one of saidyarns.

7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein each of said individualtensioning devices is independently and in dividually adjustable forsetting the tensioning force exerted thereby on said respective yarns.

8. In combination with a textile machine having yarn takeup means fortaking up a plurality of yarns at predetermined demand rates; apparatusfor supplying yarns to said takeup means under controlled tensionconditions comprising:

a. creel means for supporting a plurality of yarn packages of unevendensity and yarn release characteristics such that the tension in yarnsbeing withdrawn therefrom varies along the length thereof;

b. tensioning means positioned intermediate said creel means and saidyarn takeup means for applying tensioning force to the yarns to providea predetermined minimum amount of tension therein and to compensate atleast partially for the varying amount of tension in the yarns due tothe uneven density and yarn release characteristics of the yarnpackages;

tension reducing m'eans disposed between said yarn takeup means and saidtensioning means and adapted to engage the yarns for feeding the yarnsat a linear rate greater than said predetermined demandrates of saidyarn takeup means to reduce the amounts of tension therein by apredetermined ratio to compensate further l l for, and reduce theamountof variations in, the tension in the yarns, said tension reducing meanscomprising:

1 roll means adapted to have a predetermined portion of its peripheryengage the yarn,

2. drive means connected to said roll means for rotating the same with alinear surface speed greater than said predetermined demand rate of saidyarn takeup means, and

3. the area of engagement of said roll means with the yarn, the surfacecharacteristics of said roll means and the linear surface speed at whichsaid 'roll means is driven being correlated so as to provide apredetermined controlled amount of slippage between the roll and yarn inengagement therewith and thereby provide said predetermined ratio oftension reduction; and

d. yarn treating means disposed between said tension reducing means andsaid yarn takeup means for applying a treatment fluid to the yarn duringpassage thereof to said yarn takeup means.

9. The combination according to claim 8 further comprising:

e. stop motion means disposed between said tension reducing means andsaid yarn takeup means and responsive to amounts of tension in the yarnsas the same pass to said yarn takeup means and operatively connected tosaid textile machine for interrupting operation of said textile machineupon occurrence of an improper amount of tension in the yarns; and yarndisplacing means operatively connected to said stop motion means andoperatively associated with said yarn treating means for displacing theyarns and for interrupt.- ing fluid treatment thereof upon occurrence ofan im proper amount of tension in the yarns.

10. In combination with a knitting machine having yarn takeup means fortaking up a plurality of yarns at predetermined demand rates; apparatusfor supplying yarns to said takeup means under controlled tensionconditions comprising:

a. creel means standing independently of and spaced from the knittingmachine for supporting a plurality of yarn packages of uneven densityand yarn release characteristics such that the tension in yarns beingwithdrawn therefrom varies along the length thereof;

b. tensioning means mounted on said creel means and positionedintermediate said packages supported thereby and said yarn takeup meansfor applying tensioning force to the yarns to provide a predeterminedminimum amount of tension therein and to compensate at least partiallyfor the varying amount of tension in the yarns due to the uneven densityand yarn release characteristics of the yarn packages; and

c tension reducing means mounted on said creel means and disposedbetween said yarn takeup means and said tensioning means and adapted toengage the yarns for feeding the yarns at alinear rate greater than saidpredetermined demand rates of said yarn takeup means to reduce theamounts of tension therein by a predetermined ratio to furthercompensate for, and reduce the amount of variations in, the tension inthe yarns, said tension reducing means comprising:

1. at least one roll adapted to have a predetermined portion ofitsperiphery engage the yarn,

2. drive means connected to said roll for rotating the same with alinear surface speed greater than said predetermined demand rate of saidyarn takeup means, and

3. the area of engagement of said roll with the yarn, the surfacecharacteristics of said roll and the linear surface speed at which saidroll is driven being correlated so as to provide a predeterminedcontrolled amount of slippage between the roll and yarn in engagementtherewith and thereby provide said predetermined ratio of tensionreduction.

11. Apparatus for supplying yarns under controlled tension conditions-toa knitting machine having yarn takeup means for taking up a plurality ofyarns at predetermined demand rates, the apparatus comprising:

a. creel means for supporting a plurality of yarn packages of unevendensity and yarn release characteristics such that the tension in yarnsbeing withdrawn therefrom varies along the length thereof;

b. tensioning means mounted on said creel means and positioned toreceive yarns being withdrawn from the yarn packages for applying anindividually predetermined tensioning force to each of the yarns toprovide a predetermined minimum amount of tension therein and tocompensate at least partially for the varying amount of tension in theyarn due to the uneven density and yarn release characteristics of theyarn packages; and

c. tension reducing means mounted on said creel means and disposed toreceive yarns passing from said tensioning means and adapted to engagethe plurality of yarns for feeding the yarns at a linear rate greaterthan said predetermined demand rates of said yarn takeup means to reducethe amounts of tension therein by a predetermined ratio to furthercompensate for and reduce the amount of variations in the tension in theyarns, said tension reducing means comprising:

1. roll means adapted to engage all of the yarns,

2. drive means connectedto said roll means for rotating the same with alinear surface speed greater than said predetermined demand rates ofsaid yarn takeup means, and

3. the area of engagement of said roll means with each yarn, the surfacecharacteristics of said roll means and the linear surface speed at whichsaid roll means is driven being correlated as to provide a predeterminedcontrolled amount of slippage between the roll means and yarns andthereby provide said predetermined ratio of tension reduction.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said roll means (c) (1)comprises one roll adapted to have a predetermined portion of itsperiphery engage all of the yarns.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 arranged for guiding each of theyarns being supplied to a textile machine into wrapping engagement ofapproximately 360 extent about said one roll.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1! wherein said roll means (c) (1)comprises a pair of rolls each adapted to have a predetermined portionofits periphery engage all of the yarns.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 arranged for guiding each of theyarns being supplied to a textile machine into a total wrappingengagement of approximately 360 extent about said pair of rolls.

16. A method of supplying yarns under controlled tension conditions to atextile machine having yarn takeup means for taking up a plurality ofyarns at predetermined demand rates and comprising the steps of:

directing yarn from a plurality of yarn packages of uneven density andyarn release characteristics along predetermined paths of travel to thetextile machine while applying a predetermined tensioning force to eachof the yarns to provide at least a predetermined minimum amount oftension therein and to at least partially compensate for the varyingamounts of tension in the yarns due to the yarn package characteristics;and

slippingly feeding each of the tensioned yarns at a linear speed greaterthan the predetermined demand rates while pulling the yarn from thecorresponding one of said packages to the textile machine and whilereducing the amount of tension in each of the tensioned yarns in apredetermined ratio to further compensate for, and reduce the amount ofvariations in tension in the yarns by slipping the yarns in apredetermined, controlled manner.

17. A method according to claim 16 and further comprising the step ofsubjecting the yarns to a fluid treatment during passage thereof fromsaid packages to the textile machine being supplied, in preparation fora subsequent process to which the yarn is to be subjected.

18. The combination, with a textile machine having operatinginstrumentalities including means for positively feeding a pluralityofends of yarn to'other operating instrumentalities of the machine at apredetermined demand rate, of apparatus for controlling the tension ofeach end of yarn at a predetermined tension level as such ends aremovedalong predetermined paths of travel to said positive yarn feeding means,said apparatus comprising;

means spaced from said textile machine operating instrumentalities forsupporting a plurality of yarn supply packages; yarn engaging rollmeansdisposed in said predetermined paths of travel intermediate said packagesupport means and said yarn feeding means for engagement with each endof yarn moving along said predetermined paths;

yarn tensioning means disposed intermediate said package support meansand said roll means for exerting a determinable restraining force oneach of said ends of yarn and including means guiding each of said endsfor removal thereof from said respective package in a directionsubstantially alined with the longitudinal axis of said package;

means for driving said roll means in rotation with a linear textilemachine and thereby lessening the engagement of said ends of yarn withsaid roll means during interruption of operation ofsaid textile machine.

21. The combination according to claim 18 and further comprising yarntreatment applying means disposed in said predetermined paths of yarntravel intermediate said roll means and said yarn feeding means forapplying a treatment liquid to said ends ofyarn as the same are movedalong said predetermined paths, said treatment applying means includinga treatment liquid reservoir and an applicator roll for contacting saidends of yarn and dispensing treatment liquid thereonto from saidreservoir.

surface speed greater than said predetermined demand rate to reduce thetension in. eachlof said ends of yarn from that resulting fromsaid yarntensioning means restrainingforce to said predetermined tension leveland to maintain a predetermined imbalance therebetween by advancing eachend of yarn along said predetermined paths upon such end being drawninto transient frictional engagement with said roll means; and

said roll means, tensioning means and driving means cooperating witheach other to maintain substantially constant tension in said pluralityof ends of yarn at said yarn feeding means'even during fluctuation oftension therein between said yarn supply packages and said tensioningmeans.

19. The combination according to claim 18 and wherein said yarntensioning means comprises a number of tensioning devices correspondingto the number of said ends of yarn, each of said tensioning devicesexerting on a respective end of yarn a restraining force correlated tothe frictional engagement characteristics of said roll means, the linearsurface speed of said roll means and said predetermined tension level.

20. The combination according toclaim 18 and further comprising stopmeans operatively connected with said textile machine and responsive toan improper operating condition such as excessive tightness ofany ofsaid ends of yarn intermediate said roll means and said' yarn feedingmeans for stopping said textile machine and yarn disengaging meansoperatively connected with said textile machine and associated with saidroll means for displacing said ends of yarn from said predeterminedpaths of travel upon stopping of said 22. The combination, with aknitting machine having operating instrumentalities including means forpositively feeding a plurality of ends of yarn to knittinginstrumentalities of the machine at a predetermined demand ratecorrelated to the lproduction of fabric by the machine, of apparatus forcontrol mg the tension of each end of yarn at a predetermined tensionlevel as such ends are moved along predetermined paths of travel to saidpositive yarn feeding means, said apparatus comprising:

means for supporting a plurality of yarn supply packages;

a pair of yarn engaging roll members disposed in said predeterminedpaths of travel intermediate said package support means and said yarnfeeding means. each of said roll members having a cylindrical yarnengaging surface ofpredetermined frictional characteristics, said rollmembers being disposed relative to said predetermined paths of travelfor engagement with each end of yarn moving therealong by wrapping ofsuch ends about a predetermined portion of the peripheries of said rollmembers;

a number of yarn tensioning devices disposed intermediate said packagesupport means and said yarn engaging roll members, each of saidtensioning devices exerting on a respective end of yarn a determinablerestraining force correlated to the frictional characteristics of saidroll member surfaces and to said predetermined tension level;

means for driving said yarn engaging roll members in rotation with alinear surface speed greater than the demand rate of said yarn feedingmeans and correlated to said frictional characteristics of said rollmember surfaces and v to said predetermined tension level to reduce thetension in each of said ends of yarn from that resulting from said yarntensioning means restraining force to said predeter mined tension leveland to maintain a predetermined imbalance therebetween by advancing eachend of yarn along said predetermined paths upon such end being drawninto transient frictional engagement with said yarn engaging rollmembers; and

said roll members, tensioning devices and driving means cooperating witheach other to maintain substantially constant tension in said pluralityof ends of yarn at said yarn feeding means even during fluctuation oftension therein between said yarn supply packages and said tensioningmeans.

